Thanks for your input Downunder. Never really considered the PS Audio GCPH as a worthy candidate. Interestingly enough, I own a ton of PS Audio power conditioning products - several UOs, Power Director, and a P-600 Powerplant. The only concern I have is that most SS preamps have a touch of edginess and glare compared to well implemented tube equipment. Just my experience over the years. Regarding quiet, I'm not so sure about how much more quiet the GCPH might be. Based on my comparison to the Sutherland PhD (considered "the" quietest phono stage available today), the ARC PH5 was nearly as quiet. Have you actually compared the GCPH directly with the ARC PH5 to put it in the same performance league, or is it based on gathered input? Thanks again. It might be worth a 30 day trial.
ARC PH5 or K&K Audio Phono Stage
I am new to the world of vinyl. Only recently, I upgraded my entry point VPI Scout TT to a SuperScoutmaster Signature TT. Cartridge saw a change as well - Benz Glider 2M to a Benz Ruby 3H. Now, I am looking to "update" my phono stage. Currently, I am using an EAR 834P Deluxe which is nice. However, I have had the opportunity to audition two other other phono preamps - namely a Sutherland PhD and an ARC PH5. The Sutherland was not my cup of tea. In my setup it sounded very fatiguing and relatively conjested (I realize it is a top-flight unit, thus the in-home trial). I then had the opportunity to audition an ARC PH5. Now we're talking. This thing is so musical with absolutely no fatigue factor and resolves information beautifully in comparison to the "other" unit. Again, this is in my setup which, by the way, consists of a CJ Premier 16LS line stage, CJ Premier 12 monos and ML Prodigy speakers.
Bottom line is I liked the ARC PH5 a lot. My only concern is this - there are so many good phono stages out there but I do not have the opportunity to audition them because of the market I reside in. So, I have to rely on you experts out there to help before I plunk down the $$s. To make matters simple, I have narrowed my quest down to the ARC PH5 and K&K phono stage (Art Audio Vinyl Reference equivalent). Obviously, I do not have the means to listen to the latter and therefore need some input. I am simply looking for any information regarding a direct comparison of these two units (without bashing either), simply highlighting some of their sonic features, merits, demerits, etc. They both fall within my budget of $2K.
Thanks all.
Bottom line is I liked the ARC PH5 a lot. My only concern is this - there are so many good phono stages out there but I do not have the opportunity to audition them because of the market I reside in. So, I have to rely on you experts out there to help before I plunk down the $$s. To make matters simple, I have narrowed my quest down to the ARC PH5 and K&K phono stage (Art Audio Vinyl Reference equivalent). Obviously, I do not have the means to listen to the latter and therefore need some input. I am simply looking for any information regarding a direct comparison of these two units (without bashing either), simply highlighting some of their sonic features, merits, demerits, etc. They both fall within my budget of $2K.
Thanks all.